Les Avants: Toboggan Run, Narcissus Trails and Local History

Les Avants lies above Montreux in the Vaud Pre-Alps at an altitude of around 1,000 metres. Lake Geneva is about 3 kilometres away to the northeast. This district of Montreux is part of the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park and lies at its southwestern tip. The park is of national importance. This setting connects the village’s history with a landscape to explore both in winter and along trails through pastures and forests.

Toboggan Run and Winter Activities

The Sonloup–Les Avants toboggan run is 2.5 kilometres long; its operation depends on snow conditions. The start can be reached by the Les Avants–Sonloup funicular. Built in 1910, the funicular connects two stations that are 500 metres apart. As its seasonal operation may vary, check the timetable when planning your trip. This lets you take the ride and the snow-dependent tobogganing opportunity into account together, without assuming a specific day of operation.

The winter activities around Les Avants also include hiking, snowshoeing and ski touring. Which of these activities is suitable depends on winter conditions. The different options offer different ways to experience the surroundings: on foot along winter trails, on snowshoes or on a ski tour. The village is also connected with the history of winter sports. Les Avants had Switzerland’s first bobsleigh track, which was later converted into a toboggan run.

Landscape and Narcissus Trails

The Sentier des Narcisses near Les Avants leads through pastures, clearings filled with narcissus flowers and shady forests. The route alternates between open and wooded sections. In the region, picking narcissus flowers has been a tourist attraction since the 19th century. When visiting the narcissus meadows, however, please do not trample or pick the flowers, keep dogs on a leash and stay on the trails.

The landscape around Les Avants includes the mountains Le Folly, Le Molard, Cape au Moine, Dent de Jaman and Le Cubly. The mountain passes include La Forcla, Col de Soladier and Col de Jaman. The waterways also shape the local geography: near Les Avants, the Ruisseau de la Bergière stream flows into the Baye de Montreux. The natural surroundings are therefore not limited to the narcissus bloom; mountains, passes, pastures and forests are also part of their character.

Local History and Culture

Les Avants hosted the first LIHG European Championships from 10 to 12 January 1910. The three days of competition give this winter sports resort a lasting place in the history of international ice hockey. The village’s history also includes the Belle Époque, preserved chalets, historic hotels and a Protestant chapel. One of Europe’s oldest floral clocks is located on Place de la Gare.

Les Avants maintains a festive tradition, with a series of events and activities throughout the year. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the dates in advance. The floral clock, historic features and events offer a different focus from the winter activities, adding cultural and everyday attractions to the picture of the village.

Ceramics Classes and Tennis

The Atelier de Céramique in Les Avants offers ceramics classes for adults and children. The classes cover clay, wheel throwing and decoration. If you plan to take part, check the current class dates before your visit. This lets you take into account the activities offered and the schedule without assuming a specific class date.

Another option is the clay tennis court, which offers views of the Alps and Dent de Jaman. It can be booked by both members and non-members. Ceramics and tennis appeal to different interests: the studio focuses on materials and design, while the court offers tennis in the open air. For specific plans, you can check the relevant booking and scheduling options.

Transport History

Les Avants railway station has been in existence since 1901 and is on the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental railway line, which is part of the Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway (MOB). Check the current timetable for a specific train journey. Together with the funicular built in 1910, the railway station is part of the village’s transport history; the information about construction dates and routes does not replace checking current connections.

Discover more destinations: Blonay, Montreux, L'etivaz, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Corseaux, Château-D'oex, Vevey, La Tour-De-Peilz.

For the broader travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.